> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://thechocolatelife.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 2025: A Look Back at the Year in Chocolate & Cocoa | #PSC 170 [updated] - URL: https://thechocolatelife.com/2025-a-look-back-at-the-year-in-chocolate-cocoa-psc-170/ - Published: 2025-12-25T19:49:43.000Z - Updated: 2025-12-26T16:38:56.000Z - Description: Episode 170 of #PodSaveChocolate is a look back at the stories that shaped the Year in Chocolate, 2025. In Episode 171, I will look ahead to 2026. [updated] - Author: Clay Gordon - Tags: PodSaveChocolate, Live Stream **When and Where to Watch** 🗓️ This stream begins at 11:00 ****MST** (10:00 PST, 12:00 CST, 1:00 pm EST), on Friday, Dec 26th, 2025. Links below to watch LIVE and to view the archived episode. This ****YOUTUBE** link is shareable. 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[Watch this episode on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/share/1JkYrMN6fA/) --- ## **Overview - Episode 170** Episode 170 of PodSaveChocolate takes a look at stories about chocolate and cocoa that dominated headlines in 2025, as well as some that were under-reported. ### **Four Stories That Dominated 2025** **1️⃣ the price of cocoa** The historic (in constant-dollar terms) price of cocoa moderated to some extent in 2025, but the impact of the prices reverberated throughout the industry. What were some of the ripples that were felt by chocolate fans of flavors, cocoa farmers, and everyone in between in the value chain? | **MARKETS** | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | “Global cocoa prices remain volatile as surplus forecasts for the 2025–26 cocoa season continue to be revised lower. While cocoa supply conditions have improved in parts of West Africa, production shortfalls in other origins and falling exchange-monitored stocks are keeping the global cocoa market highly sensitive to disruption.” Source: Cocoa Radar | | [Futures Prices](https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CC%2A0/futures-prices?ref=thechocolatelife.com) / [Futures Overview](https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CC%2A0/overview?ref=thechocolatelife.com) – Barchart.com | | [Graph](https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/cocoa?ref=thechocolatelife.com) – Trading Economics | 1️⃣🅰️ **The EUDR** > **The EUDR’s full effective implementation dates have been postponed by one year** to December 30, 2026 (June 30, 2027 for small operators), with targeted simplifications adopted. The EU has formally adopted a targeted revision that delays EUDR application by one ***additional*** year and streamlines compliance. Large operators now face a start date of December 30, 2026, while micro and small operators get an extra six months to June 30, 2027\. [EUDR delay confirmedThe year-long delay of the EUDR has been confirmed.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-31.png)ConfectioneryNews.comAugustus Bambridge-Sutton![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/JRMT5CPSTVFJ7GUWBOAED34OPQ.jpg)](https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2025/12/17/eudr-delay-confirmed/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) The revision also narrows the EUDR’s scope by removing printed products (e.g., books, newspapers \[which are largely made from timber, which ***is*** covered by the EUDR\]), introduces “downstream operators” with reduced obligations focused on traceability and notifications, and creates a simplified declaration regime for “micro and small primary operators” in low‑risk countries. The European Commission must deliver a simplification review by April 30, 2026; that review may inform further adjustments. [​⁠](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/12/18/deforestation-council-signs-off-targeted-revision-to-simplify-and-postpone-the-regulation/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) **2️⃣ BC breakup** Less a dominating story than an end-of-the-year, seemingly out-of-the-blue thunderclap, the announcement that Barry Callebaut is thinking about spinning out its cocoa sourcing operations continues the complete overhaul of BC under its new management. [Callebaut in Crisis: The End of a Dynasty? | #PodSaveChocolate Ep 145Episode 145 of #PodSaveChocolate explores the exodus of top talent at Barry Callebaut and the cratering of the company’s stock price as this industry behemoth struggles. Question: Is the “new” BC a digital dinosaur in the age of mammals? \[ Updated on Aug 27 \]![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-347.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Ep-145-BC-in-Crisis---Featured1920x1080-4.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/callebaut-in-crisis-the-end-of-a-dynasty-podsavechocolate-ep-145/) I talked about what’s happening under the new management in this episode. [Barry Callebaut reportedly planning cocoa splitBarry Callebaut is reportedly planning a separation of its global cocoa unit to cut exposure to volatile cocoa prices and refocus on higher‑margin chocolate operations, a move that could reshape global cocoa supply and industry dynamics.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-30.png)ConfectioneryNews.comDonna Eastlake![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/2QPSIBZSLNO5XEVZL7QIH7EPJY.jpg)](https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2025/12/17/barry-callebaut-reportedly-plotting-cocoa-spinoff/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [Barry Callebaut : Back to the Future, will Cocoa Division Split be a potential banana skin ?? | Marc DonaldsonBarry Callebaut : Back to the Future, will Cocoa Division Split be a potential banana skin ??![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/al2o9zrvru7aqj8e1x2rzsrca-31)LinkedInMarc Donaldson![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/1766081611204)](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/marc-donaldson-032112b%5Fbarry-callebaut-back-to-the-future-will-activity-7407483169261850625-guHH?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAABaLUB44l0lzyoZ9nf9Lg8nfstgzLqxbg) [Barry Callebaut Weighs Undoing a Decade-Old Integration as Cocoa Split LoomsAnalysis: Barry Callebaut, the world’s largest chocolate maker, is exploring a potential separation of its global cocoa business from its chocolate operations, a move that would partially unwind a strategic integration put in place more than a decade ago, will ofi make a move?![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/sophie-LOGO-FINAL_WEB-6.png)From The Desk of CocoaRadar™Anthony Myers![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/barry-callebaut-cocoa_950.jpg)](https://cocoaradar.com/barry-callebaut-weighs-undoing-a-decade-old-integration-as-cocoa-split-looms/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) **3️⃣ alt.chocolate** The high price of cocoa has accelerated industry interest in chepar and less-risky alternatives to cocoa. What’s the status of these efforts? Are they good for consumers? Farmers? Chocolate? [Ending the Cocoa Crisis? | #PodSaveChocolate Ep 146Episode 146 of #PodSaveChocolate explores industry responses to the ongoing cocoa crisis. Do any address root causes? (Spoiler Alert: No.)![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-349.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Ep-146-Cocoa-in-Crisis---Featured1920x1080-1.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/ending-the-cocoa-crisis-podsavechocolate-ep-146/) [Cocoa-free chocolate: Key consumer insights for manufacturersCocoa prices are soaring as climate change and supply chain disruptions hit global production. Discover how food tech innovations like precision fermentation, and shifting consumer attitudes, could reshape the future of chocolate.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-32.png)ConfectioneryNews.comDonna Eastlake![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/GC6FUSA4RZE5JEA43UMTDOID6M.jpg)](https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2025/11/18/cocoa-free-chocolate-key-consumer-insights-for-manufacturers/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) **4️⃣ heavy metals/food safety** Consumer Reports expanded its reportage on heavy metals in foods with a look at protein powders. [Oops! They’re At It Again: CR’s Love Affair With Lead | #PSC 157With apologies to Britney Spears, this episode takes a look at Consumer Reports’ recent reporting on heavy metals in protein powders and protein shakes, comparing it with past reporting on baby foods and chocolate products. \[updated\]![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-348.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Ep-157-CR-Protein---Featured1920x1080-1-1.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/oops-theyre-at-it-again-crs-love-affair-with-lead-psc-157/) [A Guide to the Healthiest Chocolate - Consumer ReportsChocolate can be a healthy treat if you know which type to pick and how much to eat.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-60.ico)Consumer ReportsStephanie Clarke![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/CR-Health-InlineHero-Guide-to-the-Healthiest-Chocolate-0425)](https://www.consumerreports.org/health/chocolates/guide-to-the-healthiest-chocolate-a5671578427/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [More foods too be wary of](https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/really-risky-foods-right-now-a7840705850/?ref=thechocolatelife.com). [Why 10 Million Bacteria Want This Video Banned?\*\*Check out my newest video -- the secret to how we made stock at The Fat Duck: https://youtu.be/3k20zFlbFfEBacteria are in panic mode. Why? Because I’m abou…![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon_144x144-54.png)YouTube![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/maxresdefault-44.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbaZpJ1AhFU&ref=thechocolatelife.com) A measured response – understand the why, and what you can do to protect yourself in the kitchen. ### **Under-Reported Story** 📰 ****Theobromine is associated with slower epigenetic aging** Theobromine, a commonly consumed dietary alkaloid \[found in\] cocoa, has been linked to extended lifespan in model organisms and to health benefits in humans, [according to the abstract of a new paper](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41397115/?ref=thechocolatelife.com). \[The authors\] examined associations between circulating levels of theobromine intake, measured using serum metabolomics, and blood-based epigenetic markers of biological ageing in two European human population-based cohorts. \[The\] findings indicate that the reported beneficial links between theobromine intake on health and aging extend to the molecular epigenetic level in humans. ### **Just for Fun** 📰 ****Emergency Chocolate** [**A* recent survey](https://candyusa.com/cst/ferrero-survey-reveals-americans-pack-emergency-chocolate-to-get-through-family-gatherings/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) found that 36% of North Americans bring “emergency chocolate” to holiday events and family gatherings to cope with stress. The survey, which polled 1,000 consumers, also reveals that 59% turn to chocolate and candy as their go-to form of self-care during the holiday season, and 67% plan to eat more candy and sweets in December compared with October. [Ranking Every Chocolate BarOn this episode of Best with Babish, we’re trying chocolate bars at EVERY price point: from $1 to $30.Babish Cookware on Amazon: http://bit.ly/babishstoreMy…![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon_144x144-52.png)YouTube![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/maxresdefault-42.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK8iCqHmzB8&ref=thechocolatelife.com) I appreciate his correlation of ratings with specific cars. > **Note:** Unfortunately, Babish is *not* up on what makes a good chocolate good tasting. And the selection of chocolates is underwhelming and far from “every” bar. > > So – would I **use** Babish’s rankings here to guide my purchases? (TL;DR – **no**. [PSC Ep 169](https://thechocolatelife.com/exploring-chocolate-gifting-options-psc-169/) looks at three more rubrics; the NYTimes Wirecutter approach is measured and consistent and, ultimately, more useful and usable.) [Chocolatiers Blind Taste Test Every Chocolate Bar | The Taste Panel | EpicuriousToday on Epicurious, we’ve asked chocolate experts Nate Hodge, Maribel Lieberman, and Jessica Spaulding to give us their unfiltered, honest reviews of some p…![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon_144x144-53.png)YouTube![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/maxresdefault-43.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgUe5BIqaB4&ref=thechocolatelife.com) The Epicurious panel format is engaging to watch, but the list of chocolates being tasted is also disingenuous, and there is completely unnecessary drama (over“acting”) at the reveals. --- ### **Comments? Questions?** If you have questions or want to comment, you can do so during the episode or, if you are a ChocolateLife member, add them in the Comments below at ***any*** time. --- ### **Episode Hashtags and Socials** #cocoa #cacao #cacau #chocolate #chocolat #specialtychocolate #craftchocolate #beantobar #PodSaveChoc #LaVidaCocoa #TheChocolateLife --- ### **Future Episodes** 🗓️ ****Tuesday, December 30th** **2026: The Year Ahead* 🗓️ ****Friday, January 2nd** TBD --- ### **#PodSaveChocolate and #TheChocolateLifeLIVE Archives** **To read an archived post** and find the links to watch archived episodes, click on one of the bookmark cards below. [Pod Save Chocolate Calendar and ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. #PodSaveChocolate!![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/11/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080-5.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/pod-save-chocolate-calendar-and-archive/) [#TheChocolateLifeLIVE ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/03/solen-feyissa-WG7v_wYZW4Q-unsplash-CalendarFeatured1920x1080.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/thechocolatelife-live-calendar/) [PodSaveChocolateHosted by Clay Gordon, the creator and moderator of TheChocolateLife.com, #PodSaveChocolate covers a wide variety of topics in the worlds of cocoa and chocolate. The video versions of this podcast are hosted and archived on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Click on the PodSaveChocolate link in the top nav on TheChocolateLife for the links to the post accompanying each episode.![](https://pnc.st/static/img/256x256.png)Pinecast![](https://social.pinecast.net/preview_card/podcasts/covers/d3730dca-0711-4720-9ef3-3b18918c1f0d/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080.jpg?title=PodSaveChocolate)](https://pnc.st/s/podsavechocolate?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Audio-only podcasts --- ## Not a Member? Live The Chocolate Life – Live La Vida Cocoa! Sign up for Free to comment and receive members-only content. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Premium subscriptions available. ---